The ‘Leigh Bowery!’ exhibition at Tate Modern runs from 27 February to 31 August 2025, celebrating Bowery’s influence on 1980s culture. Curated by Fiontán Moran, it displays a rich collection of costumes and personal items that reflect the era’s rebellion and creativity. The show contextualises Bowery’s life against the backdrop of Thatcher’s Britain and includes collaborations with notable artists and filmmakers.
The exhibition ‘Leigh Bowery!’ at Tate Modern showcases the vibrant 1980s subculture through the life of performance artist and designer Leigh Bowery (1961-1994). Running from 27 February to 31 August 2025, it highlights Bowery’s influence on both mainstream and subculture, portraying his creative journey across various settings such as homes, clubs, and studios.
Curated by Fiontán Moran in collaboration with Bowery’s widow Nicole Rainbird, the exhibition features an array of dazzling costumes, photographs, and personal items from Bowery’s life. Items include sequined masks, neck corsets, and postcards that epitomise the era’s alt-glamour and its penchant for unique self-expression.
The exhibition starts with Bowery’s home life and early inspirations, featuring films like Charles Atlas’s ‘Hail the New Puritan’ and John Maybury’s ‘Read Only Memory’, contextualising the socio-political climate of Thatcher’s Britain and the AIDS crisis. This backdrop explains the fierce rebellion displayed by Bowery and his contemporaries who challenged societal norms.
Bowery’s collaboration with choreographer Michael Clark pushed boundaries in contemporary dance, sparking both admiration and controversy due to their unorthodox performances. This dynamic raised questions about the conventions of ballet and encouraged a diverse audience to engage with their art in lively after-parties.
In addition to Bowery’s work, the exhibition features contributions from other artists like Lucian Freud, whose portraits of Bowery explore themes of modern art acceptance beyond nightlife. Bowery’s early gallery performances marked his important transition into contemporary art, leaving a lasting legacy that transcended genres.
The ‘Leigh Bowery!’ exhibition at Tate Modern celebrates Bowery’s significant impact on 1980s culture, blending art, rebellion, and personal narrative. Through rich visual displays and archival materials, it invites audiences to explore not only Bowery’s artistic contributions but also the broader socio-political contexts of the time. It promises an immersive experience into an era where alternative lifestyles flourished in defiance of conventional norms.
Original Source: www.wallpaper.com